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Pilot Makes Precautionary Landing in Field After Encountering Fog (N733AH)

Defuniak Spgs, FL, US

On November 22, 1999, a Cessna 172N (registration N733AH) operated by Charles W. Blakeney was involved in an aviation accident near Defuniak Spgs, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Was the pilot's failure to obtain a proper weather briefing resulting in his encounter with fog, his having to make a precautionary landing in a field when the aircraft became low on fuel, and the on ground collision with trees during landing roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot found his departure and destination airports fogged in, then made a precautionary landing in a field due to low fuel. The aircraft touched down downwind and rolled into brush and trees, resulting in damage.

Pre-Flight and Weather

Before departure, the pilot checked the weather conditions on television. The details of the weather forecast were not specified, but the pilot proceeded with the flight.

Diversion and Return

Upon arriving at the intended destination airport, the pilot found the airport fogged in. He then diverted to another airport, which was also fogged in. Subsequently, he returned to his departure airport, only to find it fogged in as well.

Finding a Break in the Fog

The pilot flew southeast from the departure airport and eventually found a break in the fog. At that point, he was getting low on fuel, leading him to decide to make a precautionary landing in a field.

Landing and Aftermath

During the landing, the pilot touched down downwind and floated over his intended landing point. After touchdown, the aircraft rolled into some brush and trees, and the aircraft was damaged.

No injuries were reported among the occupants. The pilot successfully exited the aircraft after the incident.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Nov 1999 Cessna 172N accident near Defuniak Spgs, FL?

A pilot found his departure and destination airports fogged in, then made a precautionary landing in a field due to low fuel. The aircraft touched down downwind and rolled into brush and trees, resulting in damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Nov 1999 Cessna 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Nov 1999 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N733AH, operated by Charles W. Blakeney, at Defuniak Spgs, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Was the pilot's failure to obtain a proper weather briefing resulting in his encounter with fog, his having to make a precautionary landing in a field when the aircraft became low on fuel, and the on ground collision with trees during landing roll.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20142. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.